Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability in Windows Disk Cleanup Tool by Microsoft

CVE-2025-21420

What is CVE-2025-21420?

CVE-2025-21420 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability found in the Microsoft Windows Disk Cleanup Tool. This tool, designed to help users free up space on their hard drives by removing unnecessary files, contains a flaw that could allow attackers to gain higher access levels than intended. If exploited, this vulnerability could enable unauthorized users to execute malicious actions within the operating system, potentially compromising the integrity and security of the entire system. Organizations relying on this software for disk management may face significant risks, particularly if sensitive data is handled on the affected systems.

Technical Details

CVE-2025-21420 is categorized as an elevation of privilege vulnerability, which occurs when an attacker is granted elevated permissions that should, under normal circumstances, be inaccessible. This flaw could be triggered through a specific set of actions that exploit weaknesses in the Windows Disk Cleanup Tool. The details surrounding the exact technical mechanism of exploitation have not been fully disclosed, but the risk involves potential abuse of the tool's functionality to manipulate system privileges.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-21420

1. Unauthorized System Control: Exploiting this vulnerability may allow attackers to execute commands and carry out actions that should only be permitted to higher-privileged users or administrators. This could lead to unauthorized changes in system configurations or unauthorized access to sensitive data.

2. Data Breaches: With elevated privileges, an attacker could potentially access confidential files or databases, leading to significant data breaches. This encompasses both personally identifiable information and critical business data that could harm an organization’s reputation or violate regulatory requirements.

3. Propagation of Malware: The elevation of privilege afforded by this vulnerability could also enable attackers to install malicious software or ransomware, further jeopardizing the security of the affected systems and possibly spreading to connected networks or devices. This could lead to extensive operational disruptions and financial losses for organizations.

News Articles

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CVE-2025-21420

Windows Disk Cleanup Tool Exploit Allows SYSTEM Privilege Escalation

Microsoft has urgently addressed a high-severity privilege escalation vulnerability (CVE-2025-21420) in the Windows Disk Cleanup Utility (cleanmgr.exe).

2 days ago

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